Conservation

We were born in 1895 with the aim of opening up and protecting the beautiful places that people love and enjoy. Centuries on and our commitment to conservation has never been stronger.

As Europe’s largest conservation charity, we look after everything from coastlines, castles, country houses and cottages to farmlands, forests, entire villages, bats and butterflies. We do it all to make sure that their special qualities are enjoyed and enhanced for ever, for everyone. Our work ranges from £multi-million redevelopment projects to historic fashion revivals in our new Conservation Textile Studio. And we’ve recently invested record sums into repairing, improving and protecting special places from the threats of today. What does that mean for your career? A breadth and quality of conservation work like nowhere else in the country.

Conservation is a critical part of our strategy and everything that we do. We are not a ‘look but don’t touch’ museum – we want people to explore, experience and understand our work and here, you’ll help to bring the unique spirt of places and spaces to life. The rapid pace of social, economic and environmental change presents both threats and opportunities and we’re working hard to manage that. So, we’re investing in new ways that we can use our natural resources to be more sustainable and working closely with some very exciting partners. It’s a really special time for conservation at the National Trust and a truly fascinating time to join us.

Typical roles

We have lots of different opportunities in Conservation across our special places, regional and central offices and outdoor spaces. These include Conservation Core Data Lead, Conservation Information Manager, Conservation Insights Lead, Head of Collections Management, Historic Environment Director, Rural Enterprise Director, Conservation Data Manager, Conservator – and that’s just to name a few.

House Steward

Balancing conservation with visitor engagement, you’ll play a vital part in caring for our precious properties and bringing their stories to life.

Curator

You’ll provide specialist support and expertise across the interpretation, presentation and curatorial care of our special places and spaces.

House and Collections Manager

Delighting and inspiring our visitors as soon as they walk through the door, you’ll ensure our properties are beautifully cared for and bring historic collections to life.

The things we do for you

We want you to learn, discover and develop your career. And we’ll do everything we can to offer you the training, support and development that you need to achieve your goals. This could, for example, include helping you to study for a professional qualification appropriate to your career, trying something new or moving into a different business area. We’ll work with you to plan your development in a way that’s right for your needs.

Investing in you

Induction. Your learning in the Trust starts with your induction. Whatever role you're here to do we'll explain what to expect, show you where to go and make sure you understand your new environment before you get going.

Personal career progression development programme. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to development. Tailored to you our ‘Grow Your Own Career’ approach is in place to help you identify where you see your career heading, and the best ways to get there.

Learning resources. We all learn in different ways and respond to different styles. It’s what works for you, whether that’s on-the-job training, flexible e-learning or one-to-one support. And in an organisation of our size and diversity, there’s plenty of room to develop and places to go.

Future Engage and Deliver leadership programme. If you’re in a management role we’ll support you to become a better leader through our ‘Future Engage and Deliver’ leadership programme. The programme is designed to make sure you’re well-equipped with the skills and confidence to lead your teams to deliver our plans.

Professional subscriptions. If you need to hold a qualification for your role, from either a legal or professional point of view, we’ll cover the cost of your membership fee. We’ll need to see that it’s part of your continuous professional development, though.

Employee volunteering. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the National Trust and many other charities. That's why we'll give you every opportunity to get involved with some volunteering outside the Trust. It's also a brilliant way to try new things, learn new skills and meet new people. So we'll give you up to five paid days per year to do your bit.

Secondments. Secondments are an excellent way for you to gain and practise new skills in real life situations, preparing you for a potential next career move. They usually last from three to 12 months – ideal for temporary or project roles.

Conservation people

Alistair

Consultancy Manager / Lead Rural Surveyor

It’s fantastic to be part of an organisation with such a strong mission, and work with some of the most incredible conservation assets and treasures this country has to offer. The National Trust is essentially a highly motivated group of conservation enthusiasts working hard to look after our heritage and provide people with spiritual and physical refreshment; you couldn’t find a better place to work.

Huw

Head of Conservation Information

My role is unique in the fact that I’m able to cover a wide span of all different areas of conservation. And as someone who enjoys all the countryside the UK has to offer, working for the Trust really makes me feel like I’m making a difference.

Take a look around

Our award-winning central office is far from what you might expect a typical ‘Headquarters’ to look like. Uniquely designed and crafted using materials from the places we look after, it’s both innovative and environmentally friendly.